On August 28, the Senate Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting, chaired by Senator Syed Ali Zafar, unanimously passed the “Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals (Amendment) Bill, 2022,” originally introduced by Senator Saleem Mandviwala. The bill aims to safeguard journalists from violence and arbitrary arrests and includes the establishment of a Commission for the Protection of Journalists. The committee also reviewed related legislation on access to information and defamation laws, emphasizing the state’s duty to protect the media as the “fourth pillar” of democracy.
The committee also unanimously approved the establishment of a Commission for the Protection of Journalists to ensure the safety and rights of media professionals. The commission will address issues such as violence against journalists, arbitrary arrests, and enforced disappearances, which have become increasingly pressing concerns.
The meeting at Parliament House also discussed other key legislative matters, such as the Right of Access to Information Bills presented by Senators Dr. Zarqa Suharwardy Taimur and Manzoor Ahmed. Senator Taimur stated that she has reviewed the ministry’s drafts of her Private Member’s Bill on the Right of Access to Information (Amendment) Bill, 2023, and will collaborate with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to finalize it for the next committee meeting. Chairman Zafar directed officials from the ministries to assist in refining the bill. Additionally, the committee postponed discussions on Senator Ahmed’s Access to Information Amendment Bill at his request, deferring it to the next session.
The committee examined the implications of the Punjab Assembly’s recently passed controversial Defamation Act, calling for further deliberation and input from stakeholders, including media professionals.
The session was attended by prominent senators, including Pervaiz Rashid, Tallal Badar, Abdul Shakoor Khan, Jan Muhammad, Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and senior ministry officials. Journalists from various media outlets also participated, providing their input on the proposed amendments.
The National Assembly and Senate passed the Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals Act 2021 in November 2021. The following month, then President Arif Alvi signed the
bill into an act in December 2021.
